Marymount Bakehouse now occupies the cosy space where Madu The Bakery used to be! It's tucked along a tranquil row of shophouses about a seven-minute stroll from Farrer Park MRT Station. I arrived at 10am to find the cafe already half full, and they open from 9am! The outdoor seating was particularly inviting, bathed in soft morning light and perfect for Instagram-worthy moments (if only I had someone to snap a picture for me, but alas).

Inside, the cafe's small yet charming setup creates an intimate vibe. With seating for fewer than 20 people, the space features a mix of tables for small groups and counter seats that let you peek into the kitchen—a nice touch for those who love seeing the bakers work!

Marymount Bakehouse is best known for its sourdough bread, and the display of freshly baked goods near the counter nice for my eyes. Their signature offerings include the Marymount House Loaf (S$14.50), the earthy Pain De Campagne (S$15), and the flavour-packed Tomatillo Salsa Verde (S$16.60).

But the star of my visit was the Sourdough Bread Platter (S$15). This once off-menu item features two types of sourdough bread, paired with a trio of spreads: unsalted grass-fed butter, black garlic butter, and a tangy onion-and-thyme chutney. Since the selection of breads varies daily, this platter is something of a chef’s choice experience. I loved the breads that morning, which had a fluffy texture and tangy, mildly sour flavour. However, sourdough bread tends to lose its charm if left out too long, so it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm.

I added a Sunny Side Up Egg (S$5) to my platter. The creamy yolk brought extra richness and a satisfying zhup to the dish.

For more bakes, there’s also the Shepherd’s Pie (S$16.90). This features black truffle levain crust filled with chicken cooked in a Shaoxing wine reduction, complemented by butter-fried chestnuts and mushrooms like shiitake and morel.

Marymount Bakehouse recently expanded their offerings to include handmade sourdough pasta. A very popular dish is the Lemon Cream Morel & Broccolini Peasant-Style Sourdough Pasta (S$22), which features rustic, chewy pasta tossed in a velvety lemon cream sauce. With earthy morel mushrooms, tender broccolini, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is satisfyingly creamy, zesty, and umami.

Of course, no cafe visit is complete without coffee, and I was groggy AF. Marymount Bakehouse serves a speciality blend using Guerilla Beans No. 1, sourced from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia. My Iced White (S$6.90) was a gentle pick-me-up, offering a smooth balance of cocoa and dark cherry notes with just the right hint of floral brightness. It wasn’t overly bitter, making it a delightful morning brew to sip while unwinding.

I know people hate the word "hidden gem", but I do feel like Marymount Bakehouse is one. They're only open a five days a week, is tucked away in an ulu corner of Farrer Park, and is considerably peaceful and quaint, even on weekends. I would definitely come back, and this time, with someone who can take pictures for me!

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

Address: 421 Race Course Road, Singapore 218668
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 9am to 6:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 6pm
Telephone: +65 8761 9752

Hey, Faithfuls! So in my pursuit of finding the best strawberry matcha latte in Singapore, I recently checked out this hawker stall in Marine Parade called CORNERSHOP. This humble stall is tucked away at 50A Marine Terrace Market, just a three-minute walk from Marine Terrace MRT Station, making it a convenient stop for matcha lovers.

For those who enjoy a coffee twist, the Dirty Matcha (S$6.50) harmoniously combines matcha’s earthy bitterness with a shot of robust espresso. Each sip is mildly creamy, slightly bitter, and has a touch of caffeine.

I also tried their Maple Houjicha (S$6) because it sounds interesting. The roasted green tea shines with its nutty, smoky undertones, while a hint of maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to keep the flavours delicate yet satisfying.

CORNERSHOP is quite unique because it uses ceremonial-grade matcha and offers cafe-style drinks that aren't typically found at hawker centres. They do take some time to make the drinks, and aunties and uncles in the hawker centre still come here to order regular drinks like kopi, and they are kinda annoying and entitled because they will cut your queue and all that.

When I was ordering my drink, I told the lady manning the stall to just do the aunty's drink first because she was being so annoying. Anyway, just be patient if you want to get drinks here and check them out if you're looking for a strawberry matcha latte in the East!

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

Address: 50A Marine Terrace Market, #01-289, Singapore 441050

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 9am to 3pm

Hey, Faithfuls! To unwind and transition into moving into my new place, I recently treated myself to a staycation at M Social at Robertson Quay. Situated on the fringes of River Valley, this stylish hotel is a well-priced option in a trendy neighbourhood surrounded by upscale restaurants and swanky condominiums, while still being minutes away from the heart of the city. They're also a lot of pretty cafes in the area!

The moment I stepped into the M Social lobby, I was greeted by an aesthetic that combines modern chic with a nod to heritage. The Peranakan-style tiled flooring and pink-tinted cabinets gave the space a distinct charm. I also noticed a display of Maison 21G’s fragrance products—apparently, guests can book personalised perfume workshops right here at the hotel!

I stayed in the Alcove Cosy Room, which felt like a futuristic mini-cottage with its unique attic-style high ceiling. The design featured an arched mirrored entryway and a buttoned-leather headboard that added a touch of elegance. It’s compact but thoughtfully laid out. Price-wise, it'll cost about S$180 per night.

The room is fitted with a Queen-sized bed, and I appreciated the practicality of having bedside tables, lamps, and power ports on either side—perfect for two people. The sleek landline phone added a modern twist.

That said, the sink-in-room concept wasn’t my favourite. It requires leaving the bathroom with dirty hands to access the sink, which isn’t the most hygienic design. However, the sink itself was pretty, paired with a backlit mirror that’s perfect for snapping selfies. Toiletries were neatly organised in a dry spot, which was a nice touch.

The room’s size did feel tight, especially around the bed and work desk. My partner worked at the desk while I had to crawl across the bed to access the other side. Still, the desk area was equipped with multiple power outlets and an ethernet port for seamless connectivity.

While the window offered a pleasant view, I initially thought it overlooked the hotel pool—turns out, it’s part of the neighbouring condominium! Storage-wise, the room features a small cupboard with a few hangers, a safe, and disposable slippers.

Though there’s no minibar, the room comes with a fridge, an electric kettle, mugs, Nescafé coffee sachets, and Raffles Lighthouse-branded tea.

The bathroom quite compact, but it was functional. It included a rain shower and a handheld option, both by Grohe, which delivered excellent water pressure and temperature stability. The environmentally-friendly sensor lighting was a nice touch, and the floor-to-ceiling glass walls came with adjustable blinds—offering either privacy or a more cheeky vibe...

Breakfast here includes an innovative feature: a robot chef that prepares eggs! There’s also a rooftop pool with plenty of loungers and a small but well-equipped gym. The gym offers treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, and a bench, making it decent for a quick workout.

The rooftop pool is picturesque, and many guests couldn’t resist snapping selfies there. While the loungers make it a relaxing spot to catch the sunset, the pool itself is narrow and better suited for cooling off than swimming laps.

M Social is ideal for a short staycation, especially for solo travelers or couples looking for a cosy getaway. While the compact rooms and not-so-convenient location might not suit everyone, it’s a stylish and unique spot to recharge. For me, it was the perfect little escape and I'd come back again if I need some me time.

Thanks for reading, and see you next post.

Address: 90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238259
Telephone: +65 6206 1888
Website

Love this post? Feel free to share and comment below or check out my Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong review. Follow my Instagram @faithjoanchua, Lemon8, TikTok, and YouTube for more content.

Hey, Faithfuls! I recently got some time to check out the newest (and coolest) cafe haven in the CBD: KADA! So it's actually the historic 1920s St Andrew’s Mission Hospital for Women and Children that's gotten a huge revamp and revitalised into a hub of cafes, dining spots, and lifestyle amenities.

Located at 5 Kadayanallur Street, right next to Maxwell Food Centre, the triangular building with its enclosed central air well even houses Singapore’s oldest operational electric lift, adding a touch of nostalgia to the space!

If coffee isn't your cup of tea, head to Origin Teahouse for hand-crafted tea drinks without artificial flavouring. These are best enjoyed in their pet-friendly alfresco area. Nearby, right at the KADA building entrance, is Kit & Kaboodle, a bakery offering grab-and-go sandwiches, croissants, and coffee. There is also communal seating nearby.

For those seeking more substantial meals, D’Penyetz Heritage serves up their famed smashed chicken dishes alongside other Indonesian fare. Shou/Daikoku is an innovative dual-concept restaurant that transitions from a dim sum spot during the day, featuring handmade siew mai and har gow, to a Japanese yakitori izakaya at night. Lavi Taco, a vibrant Mexican eatery, offers delights like their signature Birria Tacos and quesabirria, perfect for a hearty, flavour-packed meal.

On the rooftop, Alani combines Mediterranean-inspired dining with lush greenery and artisanal sourdough bread. Looks like a cool spot, but it'll only be open in February 2025!

For longer visits, Habyt at Maxwell offers 18 modern, flexible accommodation options, from studios to three-bedroom units, starting at ~S$218 per night. The concept combines co-living with amenities like a gym, wellness centre, and co-working lounge, catering to both short and long-term stays.

KADA is a fantastic spot that blends Singapore’s rich history with modern charm. Buildings like this are rare in the city, making it a unique gem to visit. While it may feel like it’s gentrifying the area, it’s also breathing new life into a heritage site, showcasing thoughtful restoration and purpose. It’s a great place to explore—whether you’re hopping between its quirky cafes, enjoying a meal, or treating yourself to a staycation—so you'll feel like a tourist in your own country!

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

Lecker Hotdog offers eight varieties of hotdogs, each generously loaded with toppings. Prices start at just S$4.80 for an a la carte hotdog, making it very wallet-friendly. If you’re feeling peckish, upgrade to a combo—add S$1.80 for a drink or S$3.10 for both a drink and a side. Sides include classics like corn cups, popcorn chicken, and onion rings.